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First DNA Barcoding Survey in Bulgaria Unveiled Huge Diversity of Yeasts in Insects

Summary

Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of yeasts living in insect guts across Bulgarian national parks. Using DNA analysis, they discovered over 100 yeast strains, nearly half of which were previously unknown to science. The study reveals that insects are natural homes to diverse yeast species and serve as vectors for spreading yeasts in nature, some of which can cause human infections. This research highlights how much remains to be discovered about microorganisms in less-studied regions of the world.

Background

Yeasts are ecologically, medically, and biotechnologically significant organisms inhabiting various natural ecosystems. Insects, constituting the largest phylum by species diversity, remain a well-known but not well explored habitat for yeasts. Most yeast biodiversity research has concentrated in Western Europe, Japan, and North America, with limited knowledge of yeast-insect associations in less-studied regions like Bulgaria.

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive survey assessing the diversity of yeast species inhabiting the guts of various insect species collected from Bulgarian National Parks (Rila and Pirin). The study aimed to identify yeast strains using DNA barcoding and uncover novel yeast species associated with insects in this biologically diverse region.

Results

The study identified 107 yeast isolates from insect guts, comprising 89 ascomycetous and 18 basidiomycetous strains distributed across 28 insect families. Forty-two percent of the yeast isolates represented novel species previously unknown to science. Eighteen new yeast species were formally identified, including Ogataea saltuana, Priceomyces vitoshaensis, and Suhomyces rilaensis, among others.

Conclusion

The survey confirms that insects remain a rich and underexplored source of unknown yeast species, particularly in biologically diverse but understudied regions. The findings highlight the vast potential for discovering new yeast species through exploring natural insect populations globally. The results affirm the role of insects as vectors for dispersal of yeasts, including opportunistic pathogens, in natural environments.
  • Published in:Insects,
  • Study Type:Biodiversity Survey,
  • Source: 10.3390/insects15080566, PMID: 39194771
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